2019 Acura NSX

2019 McLaren 570S

Safety

The NSX has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 570S doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The NSX offers optional AcuraLink, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 570S doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

The Acura NSX weighs 489 to 840 pounds more than the McLaren 570S. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The NSX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 570S’ 3-year basic warranty expires 1 year sooner.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the NSX 3 years longer than McLaren covers the 570S. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the 570S ends after only 3 years.

There are over 14 times as many Acura dealers as there are McLaren dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the NSX’s warranty.

Reliability

The 570S’ redline is at 8500 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The NSX has a 7500 RPM redline.

Transmission and Drivetrain

A nine-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Acura NSX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the 570S.

All wheel drive, available in the NSX, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The McLaren 570S is not available with all wheel drive.

Tires and Wheels

The NSX’s 305/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 570S’ standard 35 series tires.

The NSX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The 570S doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The NSX handles at 1.06 G’s, while the 570S Coupe pulls only 1.05 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the NSX is quieter than the 570S Coupe:

NSX

570S

At idle

32 dB

63 dB

Full-Throttle

85 dB

97 dB

70 MPH Cruising

74 dB

74 dB

Ergonomics

The NSX’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. McLaren does not offer a locking feature on the 570S’ standard power windows.

If the windows are left open on the NSX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 570S can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The NSX’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 570S’ power mirror controls are on the dash, hidden behind the steering wheel, where they are awkward to manipulate.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the NSX has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The 570S doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

Recommendations

The NSX was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2017. The 570S hasn’t been picked since 2016.